Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

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JimKW

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Jul 10, 2009
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397
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

I owned a boat about 25 years ago, a Welcraft and thought it was a good boat at the time. When I started looking to buy a boat a little over a year ago I did some research as to what were the top brands much like you are doing. Basically the ones that are listed to stay away from are probably more important than the ones to look for.

I am very pleased with my Crownline and it was not even one of the brands I wasl looking for. I did like the Celebrity line years ago, but did not know that Crownline actually bought out Celebrity. I found that out after I bought my boat.

I get compliments on the looks of my boat almost every time I go out. People can not believe it is 11 years old. Don't really know if that's due to the boat brand or due to the fact that it has been well taken care of which is way more important than the brand.
 

stubbsboogie

Chief Petty Officer
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413
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

Did I say that I love my Rinker? Oh Yea, I did.

You know i love my rinker too!

I also disagree with ez, i would put the rinkers in upper middle level.

Really agree with most, maintenence is key for any boat.
 

MPII

Petty Officer 1st Class
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219
!

!

You know i love my rinker too!

I also disagree with ez, i would put the rinkers in upper middle level.

Really agree with most, maintenence is key for any boat.

Good Pic! Rinker is not actually lower middle. This is my 2nd and I have mine in 6 footers bad weather .... the hull is hand laid glass and its held well!:D:D

it has done me well!
 

DaNinja

Lieutenant
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Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

SeaRay!:D
 

F_R

Supreme Mariner
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28,219
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

Back in the '80s, I worked for a company that supplied controls for Sea Ray. Sea Ray would not tolerate the tiniest scratch or defect in anything we sent them. If they found something, they sent the whole shipment back. I hated them for that, but on the other hand, I said if I would ever be in the market for a new boat, I would buy a Sea Ray. Their quality control must have been top notch. I never got in the market for a new boat, therefor I never bought one either.
 

mj05

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
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174
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

Well if you must..............(dons flame suit) :p here's some baseless opinions.

I wouldn't buy a Tahoe
Tahoe and Bayliner are at the bottom. I think Bayliners have improved a bit
Stingray, Glastron, Rinker, and Four Winns are lower-middle
SeaRay is way way overrated in that size class. I put them in lower middle to middle along with Maxum
Larson I don't know, I'm leary of them due to reading about a number of gelcoat and glass issues with them on here
Chapparall, Crownline, maybe Regal is a middle-high
Bryant, Cobalt is high

What?? No STARCRAFT???? :eek::p:p:D LOL!!!
 

BTMCB

Senior Chief Petty Officer
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Sep 15, 2009
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761
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

I am very happy and satisfied with the quality and performance of my "lower middle to middle" 2008 Maxum.
 

642mx

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Apr 19, 2008
Messages
1,588
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

Let's see... I've owned 2 Baja's and have been very happy with both as far as build quality, fit and finish, along with the standard and optional features...

With that said, my list is...

What 642mx would consider buying:

Baja
Campion (Chase 800 with 525 hp are sooo sweet!)
Crownline
Cobalt
Formula
Chapparall
Sea Ray
Stingray

What 642mx wouldn't buy:

Bayliner
Tahoe
Maxum
Four Winns
Glastron
Larson
VIP
 

rallyart

Lieutenant Junior Grade
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Jun 7, 2008
Messages
1,179
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

To answer the original post, Of the boats I test drove a couple years ago I liked the Regal the best for ride and overall performance. I thought the Cobalt had the best finish but was windier and noisier. I though the Rinker had trouble getting out of the water and finding the right trim. That was looking at 20' lengths. The Four Winns was nice and was quiet in the boat but had a big turn radius with it's Volvo drive. I really wanted to like the SeaRay but they wanted me to sign an offer sheet before I test drove so I never did try it. Too bad for them and their dealer, I've owned a SeaRay before.
I wound up by buying a Sanger D-drive instead of a sterndrive and could not be happier. It has no trouble in rough water, does better at water sports, and while cruising at the speeds I like to travel. (23-33) It would be tough to find one of those for near 10k.
 

LippCJ7

Vice Admiral
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5,431
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

I love my Crownline and highly recommend them, where they land on quality is top five for I believe the last five years on consumer reports. I considered Cobalt, Baja and Rinker also wonderful boats but I liked the softer lines of the Crownline more with its wide beam I have room for the kids and the Labs, the selection of performance or gas mileage motors they seemed to be the right fit for me. The care of the previous owners is huge. Another concern is whats available in your area, here in Colorado the selection of boats can be tough so keep that in mind. Your in the right time to buy a boat as well so take your time and don't rush it you and your boat will find each other.
 

superpop

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
869
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

To a certain degree it also depends on the size of boat. I have looked at a few 19' Sea Rays that did not look any better made than a Tahoe. All plastic parts and not very well thought out. I also noticed this with Chaparral last year at the boat show. They had a few things on some of the smaller boats that just looked cheaper. Don't get me wrong, I love my Chaparral and it gets mistaken for a Cobalt all the time, but I have to wonder if the economy is forcing all of the manufacturers to get a little cheap with some of the bits and pieces. As others have said though, if you are looking at used, look at how the boat was cared for. Mine still looks and drives like brand new in its 5th year but I take care of my stuff. Some people treat a boat like a car and just drive it till it dies and they don't worry about proper storage or preventative maint.
 

ovrrdrive

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Apr 28, 2008
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265
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

To a certain degree it also depends on the size of boat. I have looked at a few 19' Sea Rays that did not look any better made than a Tahoe.

Seriously?

When we were shopping for a bowrider we looked at every boat we could get near and I recall there being a substantial difference between Searay and Tahoe. We were looking at entry level boats from all of the major manufacturers so the 19'ers were a step up from where we were, but in the 17.5' boats the Tahoe didn't hold a candle to Searay. Of everything we saw I liked the Searay and Montery the best with Regal right up there too. In the end the Searay won out because it was the only El boat that had extras and looked like it was built right. We kept our BR176 for 5 years and sold it without even advertising it.

That's a hidden cost too that most people overlook. Just how easy a boat will be to sell and how well it holds its value. Searays hold their value very well.
 

truckermatt

Petty Officer 1st Class
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Mar 29, 2009
Messages
384
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

this whole topic is completely biased, its the same as asking if your kids are better looking than the neighbors kids. Of course your going to say yours are better.
 

mj05

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Messages
174
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

this whole topic is completely biased, its the same as asking if your kids are better looking than the neighbors kids. Of course your going to say yours are better.

...... unless you own a bayliner:p..... oops, did I say that out loud?:eek: LOL
I'm only kidding.... hey, it's saturday.... gotta have SOME fun:D
 

superpop

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
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Messages
869
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

I was looking 2 years ago and noticed the similarities between the Tahoe and the Sea Ray. I was looking at the SR and noticed, plastic fittings every where and a rubber rub rail rather than stainless. It just looked cheaply made, When both boats have the same drive set up and electronics packages that does not leave much besides the interior finishes and the fiberglass job. Neither boat had any stainless fittings or parts and pieces and the upholstery in both looked about the same. Just my casual observation.
 

paulspaddle

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 2, 2009
Messages
753
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

No such thing as Apples to Apples in a used boat. You can talk brands till the cows come home but all you will get is "I own xyz" so its the best.

Sort of like which is best, Ford or Chevy? Useless discussion. :D

Actually this thread was great, not useless at all. What happens with 'opinion' threads as they get longer is guys don't read threw them and just start 'soap boxing' on how silly and ill-logical it is.

The 'apples to apples' was taking condition out of the equation. If someone has "I own xyz, because....", fine...its an 'opinion' thread....all opinions welcome!

With that said, thanks for your opinion on calling this "useless", but that was "useless" to the topic. :D.....what's your opinion on a top quality boat Bubba? :cool:
 

superpop

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
869
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

The other fact that no one has mentioned yet, is the price your buddy is willing to pay. For that 10-13K you will be looking at an older boat, especially if you want a v-6 or better. I would think mid 90s to early 2000 vintage boats. In that case, manufacturer is going to be far less important than how the boat was cared for. In fact I would argue that brands will have little bearing on the cost. A boat is not like a car in that sense, a 10 year old Toyota Camry will still command a premium over a 10 year old Chevy Impala. With boats, buyers in this price range do not care about brands, it is all about condition.
 

LippCJ7

Vice Admiral
Joined
Sep 20, 2010
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5,431
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

superpop, I 100% agree with that Condition trumps brand on a used boat, condition is a sign of the care the previous owner/owners gave the boat if it looks like crap then you have a pretty good idea what overall condition is, if on the other hand that 10 yr old boat looks like it just came off the showroom floor and doesn't have the just detailed look you probably have a winner.
 

paulspaddle

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Mar 2, 2009
Messages
753
Re: Rank manufacturer quality....looking for bowrider.

superpop, I 100% agree with that Condition trumps brand on a used boat, condition is a sign of the care the previous owner/owners gave the boat if it looks like crap then you have a pretty good idea what overall condition is, if on the other hand that 10 yr old boat looks like it just came off the showroom floor and doesn't have the just detailed look you probably have a winner.

Already said (X3)...not what this thread was about....
 
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